Enquiries: info@belsize.org.uk
Enquiries: info@belsize.org.uk
London is officially a forest : the UN definition is more than 20% of land covered in trees and London sneaks in at 21%, one of the greenest cities in the world. Camden is above average in tree cover with nearly 29%, thanks largely to the Heath of course.
There is a lot we residents can do to help keep this going and increase it for the beauty of our environment and our health – and that of the next generation.
Belsize Park has more variety of tree species than most people realise, ranging from native to quite exotic trees.
The traditional planting consists mainly of London Plane trees, Lime trees, Maples and Ash and magnificent old trees can still be seen in some of our local streets. Nowadays, many councils have adopted a different planting regime; favouring smaller spring-flowering trees such as cultivars of Hawthorn, Cherry, Apple, Pear and Juneberry.
Due to climate change, however, there is also an increasing trend to diversify and plant more exotic trees from further afield.
| Location | Scientific Name | English Name | Year of Introduction | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swiss Cottage | Acer buergerianum | Trident Maple | 1896 | E China and Korea |
| Haverstock Hill | Liriodendron tulipifera | Tulip Tree | 1680s | East USA |
| Fellows Road | Clerodendron trichtomum | Harlequin Glorybower | c1880 | China and Japan |
| Fellows Road | Paulownia tomentosa | Foxglove Tree | 1838 | China (large blue trumpet-shaped flowers in April) |
| Lyndhurst Gardens | Fraxinus ornus | Manna Ash | late 1660s | South Europe and SW Asia (flowers profusely) |
| Lyndhurst Gardens | Koelreuteria paniculata | Golden Rain Tree | 1763 | Asia, China |
| Belsize Avenue | Tilia henryana | Henry’s Lime | 1901 | C China (delicate leaves) |
| Lancaster Grove | Quercus suber | Cork Oak | late 1600s | S Europe and N Africa (bark to be admired) |
| Belsize Square | Lagerstroemia indica | Crape Myrtle | 1759 | China & Korea (reddish crimped flowers) |
| Downside Crescent | Corylus Colurna | Turkish Hazel | 1582 | SE Europe, Asia |
You can go to www.treetalk.co.uk which maps many of the street trees. Clicking the green circles representing the trees reveals useful information about each tree.
Please help look after the trees in your neighbourhood and water them regularly.
Newly planted trees need to be watered, especially during their first three years of growth. Some trees have a slow-release 50 litre green watering bag fitted around the trunk. The bag has a small top opening through which water can be added.
Camden Council manages approximately 28,000 individual trees across the borough and 10-15,000 additional trees as part of sites of nature conservation. The trees are inspected every three years to check whether tree work is required. The Council aims to plant at least 400 trees each year, mostly as replacements. Over 3,500 trees are classed as juvenile, which means they are seedlings and saplings.
Yes. Planning consent is required for tree works in conservation areas and on trees with tree preservation orders (TPO). For guidance please check www.camden.gov.uk/trees-planning-permission.
Trees should have a minimum clearance of:
You may prune branches to this height without consent. However, pruning beyond 2.5 meters requires consent. If these minimum clearances are not met, property owners may be issued a notice to prune their trees.
More information is available at www.camden.gov.uk/trees-planning-permission.
To report overhanging foliage, a damaged street tree, loose support poles for a new tree, damaged or missing watering bag for a new tree, empty street tree-pit or a dead tree or stump etc, use the ‘Fix my Street‘ system.
For emergencies, for example a fallen tree across the highway, phone 0207 974 4444 immediately.
For more information on Camden street and other public trees check here
Check the weekly planning lists for applications with the suffix ‘/T’. These indicate tree work proposals.
Visit www.camden.gov.uk/weekly-list-planning-applications to view the lists.
Camden encourages planting of perennial plants in tree pits but check the advice here first and don’t forget to tie a small green ribbon round the tree or post to stop your plants being removed by street cleaners or sprayed!